Graffiti vandals will face up to two years' jail and thousands of dollars in fines under new Victorian laws.

The regulations come into force today, also giving more powers to police to catch offenders.

Police Minister Bob Cameron said graffiti vandals charged under the tough new laws could be imprisoned for up to two years and face a fine of more than $26,000.

The laws will enable police to issue on-the-spot fines of $550 to anyone carrying spray paint cans if they cannot prove the paint is for work-related purposes.

The laws also grant police the power to search individuals over the age of 14 suspected of carrying any graffiti-related implement.

Source: theage.com.au

Local newspapers in Eldorado, Texas, reported that law-enforcement personnel serving a search warrant on the YFZ polygamist ranch had entered the temple, which FLDS members consider sacred, and then moved on to the temple annex. There was no report of any violence, although FLDS Church leaders had initially refused to let police enter the temple. Ambulances were moved into the area near the West Texas ranch earlier in what authorities said was a precautionary move in case things took a turn for the worse.

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An ongoing investigation has resulted in the removal of the children — 97 girls, 40 boys and 46 young women over the age of 18 — for questioning in a case stemming from reports that involve a 50-year-old man and his alleged 16-year-old bride. Officials believe they have been living on the YFZ Ranch, which is owned by the Fundamentalist LDS Church.

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The owner of the Sutton County Steak House in nearby Sonora, Texas, fed the children dinner on Friday and breakfast on Saturday, owner Linda Love told The San Angelo Standard-Times.

"They're singing songs. So happy and sweet and precious. It's heart-breaking," Love said.

Source: deseretnews.com